Written answers

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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126. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a detailed survey showing exactly the type of broadband coverage available in County Kerry; the type of mobile coverage; the type of landline coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/14]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Since market liberalisation in 1999, the provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services are delivered in the first instance through private sector operators who operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The market has developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County including County Kerry can be found on a number of websites, including the websites of individual commercial operators. The provision of universal access to phone services is limited to the provision of such services at fixed locations using fixed line or equivalent technologies. All citizens are entitled to reasonable access to basic telephone services at fixed locations in accordance with provisions contained in the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and User’s Rights) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 337/2011). Any failure by the universal service provider, currently eircom, to meet reasonable requests for fixed line phone services should be notified to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent market regulator. The provision of mobile phone networks and services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Subject to any statutory consent requirements including planning consent requirements, the design of each mobile network is a matter entirely for them. I can advise, however, that mobile operators are investing significantly in the Irish market. Following ComReg's succesful multiband spectrum auction, three operators have launched 4G services in Ireland and at least one has announced a major upgrade to its 3G network. During the preparation of the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce report, which concluded its deliberations in 2012, service providers noted the importance of planning and consent processes in facilitating the rollout of infrastructure to support the provision of telecommunications services. The Government's National Broadband Plan which I subsequently published, commits to addressing barriers to deployment in order to maximise investment by the commercial sector and assist in enhancing the quality of services. Local Authorities have an important role to play in this regard.

The National Broadband Plan aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. This will be achieved by providing:

- a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and

- a State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.

In tandem with these developments, intensive work, including a comprehensive mapping exercise, continues in my Department in relation to the State-led investment to secure the countrywide introduction of next generation broadband access. In order to progress the State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest, a full procurement process must be designed and EU State Aids approval must be obtained.

Under the national mapping exercise, information has been sought from all undertakings authorised by ComReg in relation to current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is continuing. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. I expect that this process will be completed later this year, after which it is my intention to publish a map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage, along with the Government's proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country, this map will outline exactly the type of broadband is available in County Kerry.

The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched later in 2014.

Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.

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